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Literary Agents

Many writers believe they must have a literary agent in order to get published, but this is not always the case. There are approximately thirty agents in Canada and, because there are so few, it can be difficult to find an agent who will represent you. Competition for agents is tough, but keep in mind that approximately eighty percent of published Canadian writers do not have agents at all.

Please note that many agents only accept query letters and not unsolicited manuscripts. Before submitting manuscripts to literary agents, check the submission guidelines on their websites to learn about their submission requirements and areas of interest/specialization. Some agencies do not accept unsolicited manuscripts at all, but rather require an introduction from a more seasoned writer.

After reviewing your work, the agency will decide whether or not to represent you. The Union's booklet Author and Literary Agent contains a list of questions to ask your agent, and should help you to reach an agreement. Be sure you have a letter of agreement or contract with the agent outlining the terms of your arrangement.

Your manuscript should be finished and very polished before you try to find an agent. Unless they request a revised manuscript, assume that agents who have rejected an unpolished draft will not want to look at a more polished one. Most agents receive hundreds of submissions a day from prospective new clients.

One way to get assistance in polishing your manuscript before you submit it to an agent or publisher is through The Writers' Union of Canada’s fee-based Manuscript Evaluation Service.

In addition to Canadian agents listed below, check out the listings under “Agents and Attorneys” at Preditors and Editors. There you will find information about American and British agents, most of whom are willing to consider the work of Canadian writers.

Canadian Literary Agents

This list is provided for convenience only and does not constitute a recommendation by TWUC of any of the services offered by the persons or agencies listed.

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For me, membership in The Writers' Union of Canada (TWUC) is a lifeline. In pursuing the mainly solitary working life of a freelance writer, I've found it invaluable to have contact and interaction with other members and to have access to the informative services that TWUC offers to its members through its committed staff and legal counsel.

Art’s last words were to tell Peggy, “I love you.” His last conscious action was to raise his head, to meet her descending lips as she leaned in over the hospital bed, for one last kiss. After Art died his son, author Colin Frizzell (Chill, Just J), found out about the letters.
In 1963 Peggy was on...

Own a piece of Union history

A limited edition of Communion (an excerpt) by Graeme Gibson was printed this year in celebration of The Writers’ Union of Canada’s 40th Anniversary.Graeme Gibson, one of the founders of the Union, attended this year's 40th anniversary AGM.Communion (an excerpt)is his anniversary gift to the Union. Click here to see how you can get your very own copy of this beautiful, commemorative book.

We acknowledge the support of the Ontario Arts Council (OAC), an agency of the Government of Ontario, which last year funded 1,681 individual artists and 1,125 organizations in 216 communities across Ontario for a total of $52.8 million.

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